User Reviews

Strengths: light for a 2.3, rolls fast, found to have great grip on wet root and rocks.

Weaknesses: tricky to run tubeless (bead is not smooth), gap and cornering knob takes time to get used to. Noisy on road (but who cares)

Bottom Line:

The bike came with a 2.3 Sticky front (and 2.1 UST Crossmark rear) - took me a couple times to finally get tubeless airtight (bead is rather rough and doesn't seal easily with Stans). Had this tire for over a year now and finally have to replace it and I might get a 2.1 size for the rear to try as well - works well in front.

When I first rode with it I was really impressed with the traction on wet roots and rocks. Rolls fast on hard pack (not as fast as Crossmark and it's noisy on the road due to big side knobs). Overall I have been very happy, BUT the large gap and big side knobs take time/skills to get used to: on soft sand more than once would I find myself catching the side knobs. Also lately (maybe because center is worn down ?) I wiped out twice into loose turns as the side knobs caught on forcing a much tighter turn than expected.

I'm torn between getting a new pair and trying them for the back as well (the UST rear is hard to find, and I've had bad luck with thin wall Kenda back tire of another design) or trying something completely different.

Strengths: I bought this tire when my Nevegal wore out. If your starting to develop your cornering technique, this is a great tire. It has center knobs and aggressive cornering knobs, but the El Moco is missing 1/3 of the transitional knobs (knobs between the center and cornering). Some tires have no transitional knobs and feel unstable on the corners. If your "pushing" your bike into the corners, this tire will help you.

Weaknesses: If your rolling through your turns, you might not like this tire. It can feel a little washed out. Also, Kenda's arent know for a strong side wall.

Bottom Line:

If you want a great all around tire, get a Nevegal. But if your looking to improve your riding experience or get a tire that is a step above a generic, the El Moco is it. The Stick-E compound is softer than a conventional tire compound, but the grip is great. There are tires that have no transitional knobs. This tire will help you get there. Tires are the most underused component on a bike. Serious riders have tires for every terrain. While most people cant afford $300 in tires, getting the same riding experience with the same middle of the road tires is imposible. Your tire is the first thing that hits anything on the trail and every trail/dirt is different. I use a El Moco in front and a Nevegal is back for local rides made up of hard packed, decomposed granite and dry wash.

Strengths: Grip brothers, grip. I did not expect this on the rear to grip so well but holy S does it.

Weaknesses: Dam sidewalls. GRRRRRR Kenda WTH?
Slashed SW one ride in and now evidence of hitting a rock etc?
Then multiple pinch flats around 30/32psi. RIGHT tubeless Conti' RQ's it is then.
A bit of drag too but I was willing to put up with it.

Bottom Line:

Maybe I got a dud. Good if you don't want to go UST.
Grrr Kenda grrrr and I am not the only one complaining of yuor crappy sidewalls.

Bottom line is for 3 rides these were the best thing I tried on wet roots and slippy west coast rocks. Then see above...

Great tire so far. Running it tubeless converted in the front on CB Iodines. Still haven't had the opportunity to test it in all the conditions I usually ride but so far in loose over hard pack clay and limestone rock and rooty terrain, they have been great!!